In 1965, a man in Omaha entrusted his $67,000 life savings to none other than his neighbor, Warren Buffett.

In 1965, Dorothy and Myer Kripke found themselves grappling with a common dilemma for middle-aged couples: how to effectively plan for retirement. While their diligent saving had positioned them ahead of many peers, they faced the critical challenge of growing their savings to ensure a secure future. Little did they know, their decision to consult a local investment manager would set the stage for a remarkable financial journey.

The Initial Investment Decision

With approximately $67,000 in savings—equivalent to around $650,000 today after adjusting for inflation—Myer, a respected rabbi and scholar, and Dorothy, a children’s book author championing moral education, understood the importance of safeguarding and growing their finances. After months of deliberation, Dorothy issued a straightforward suggestion to Myer: “Invest the money with your friend, Warren.”

The friend in question was Warren Buffett, a 35-year-old neighbor who had recently established a favorable reputation for his investment strategies in Omaha, Nebraska. Myer hesitated initially, concerned about the implications of mixing friendship with financial collaboration and feeling daunted by Buffett’s minimum investment requirement of $150,000. Yet, after three years of resistance, Myer finally reached out.

The Oracle of Omaha

Buffett eagerly agreed to manage the Kripkes’ funds. In his own words, he valued their friendship and wanted to ensure that their relationship would endure, even if things didn’t go as planned. Fortunately, their financial partnership flourished. Over the following decades, their $67,000 investment grew exponentially, marking the beginning of their ascent from modest savers to multi-millionaires.

By the mid-1990s, the couple’s investment had skyrocketed to more than $25 million, roughly equivalent to $40 million today. Estimating based on Berkshire Hathaway’s average stock price during that period, the Kripkes likely held around 833 shares, which would have been valued at approximately $50 million by the time of Dorothy’s death in 2000, and $180 million at Myer’s passing in 2014.

A Testament to Humility and Philanthropy

Despite their newfound wealth, the Kripkes never altered their humble lifestyle. They continued to rent a modest three-bedroom apartment, and Myer, even as an ordained rabbi, maintained his annual salary of $30,000. Their greatest expenditures were philanthropic, with millions donated to charitable causes, including $7 million toward rebuilding a library at the Jewish Theological Seminary, where their love story began.

Dorothy passed away in September 2000 at the age of 88, while Myer lived to the remarkable age of 100, passing in May 2014. Their legacy extends far beyond their financial success; they exemplify a life driven by values, generosity, and a commitment to giving. The Kripkes remind us that true richness is often not measured by wealth but by the impact one leaves behind in the world.